Pushkarev was brought in on a
try-out basis late in training camp, and he re-established
himself as a legitimate prospect in the pre-season. After
playing for Omsk (Russia) for two seasons, and Calgary (WHL)
for one, he made his AHL debut with the Kings organization
in 2005-06 with the Manchester Monarchs. After putting
together a nice rookie season of 38 points (19 goals, 19
assists, 95 PIM) in 77 games, he was called up to the NHL.
He only played in one game, where he recorded an assist. The
next season, he saw a larger stint with the team, scoring 4
points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 16 games. He was demoted to
the minors after this, where he would continue to produce
with the Iowa Stars. His best AHL season was in 06-07, where
he tallied 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games
played. Last year (08-09), he bounced to the KHL where he
only played 30 games, and recording 6 total points. This
season with Wilkes-Barre, he has impressed a lot of members
in the organization and next year he could be given a
two-way contract. He is a very rare, interesting prospect
that is still young and determined to make it back to "the
show". His performance in the approaching AHL playoffs will
be vital to his NHL future, especially if he has one in
Pittsburgh.

Strengths

Good playmaking skills…
above-average passing… maintains a very hard, and accurate
wrist shot… finishes every check… plays a scrappy game
which is very rare for a Russian winger… handsy, hard
working player…

Weaknesses

Takes an occasional bad
penalty… decisions with the puck on his stick are
questionable at times… At times, he over-passes or shoots
to early… needs to limit turnovers… doesn’t use his shot
enough

Areas of Interest

Sponsors

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